The high pressure fuel pump problem among BMW turbo vehicles continues and while a national recall has been issued, 1 800 LEMON LAW attorney Bob Silverman, who has represented numerous consumers with the issue, is not certain that the recall will provide the necessary solution to the problem.  Philadelphia Inquirer consumer columnist Jeff Gelles recently interviewed Bob on the issue and you can read the column by clicking here.

Just a reminder that we are continuing to represent numerous BMW clients with defective high pressure fuel pump claims.  If you are experiencing these problems and have been back to the shop three times or more the address the matter, please call us at 1- 800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or drop us an e-mail and we will be glad to discuss your situation with you.

A couple months ago, we were contacted by Chris Cuomo’s producers at ABC’s  Nightline regarding a story on the high pressure fuel pump problem occurring in many BMW Turbo vehicles, including the 135i, 335 i, 535 i, and x6 models.  Together with an amazing consumer advocate, Allison Mangot, who had two BMWs with high pressure fuel pump problems– both bought back by the manufacturer, we helped the producers put together a segment which would shed significant national light on a problem which has been plaguing many BMW drivers for years.  Of course, readers to the lemon law blog know that we have been promoting this issue for quite a while. In fact, Kimmel and Silverman has successfully resolved numerous claims regarding with this problem, throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland and New England, with our clients receiving anywhere from significant monetary compensation in the thousands, to complete repurchases.  We were proud to not only see 1-800-LEMON-LAW Founding Partner Bob Silverman featured in the story, but also our very own blog and the many comments left behind by its readers.

The story has resulted in a major national recall, affecting hundreds of thousands of BMW vehicles.  All those affected should be receiving notification soon. But one would wonder why it has to take a national news story to force the manufacturer’s hand?  And also, we are questioning whether this recall will actually be the end-all, be-all to what could be a dangerous problem. We can’t even count the number of clients who have been left stranded on the road not just once, but sometimes three, four, or  five times.

The fact also remains that even with this recall, BMW drivers do have rights under State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws.  We encourage those who have been in repeatedly for the high pressure fuel pump to consider legal actions against the manufacturer. You paid a very high premium for this vehicle and you certainly did not get what you paid for.  As you know, legal representation under the Lemon Law and Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act is completely cost-free with BMW paying all attorneys fees and legal costs on top of what you receive if you prevail. With our firm,there is no cost or risk to filing a claim, win or lose.  For more information, please e-mail us or give us a call at 1 800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or contact another consumer attorney to determine if your situation applies and if you are entitled to remedy. Additional information regarding this problem can also be found at bmwproblems.com.

We would like to hear your thoughts regarding the story which follows.  And for those who do have the recall performed, we are interested to hear if you are still having problems after.  Our sincere thanks to Lauren Pearle, Chris Cuomo and  the talented production team at ABC News, and to Allison Mangot for ensuring that we were part of this effort.

Sometimes, an item is so important that it’s worth repeating.  The fuel pump issue with BMW 3-series vehicles  is on the rise and we have successfully resolved numerous lemon law and breach of warranty claims since we initially posted the issue last October.

BMW is working hard to come up with a fix to the problem, however that has not prevented consumers from having to return to the shop countless times to address the situation.  The company has extended the warranty on the part, but we have also seen instances where the service adviser is blaming the problem on “bad gas,” which we do not feel is a suitable explanation.

Regardless of whether the service department can duplicate the problem or not, it is essential that they give you a repair invoice each and every time you complain of the problem.  Fuel pump failure can lead to stalling so it is essential that you continue to bring the matter to your dealer’s attention if you feel it is not being properly addressed.

If you are experiencing fuel pump problems with your BMW and have questions about your lemon law rights, drop us a line at Lemon Law. Com or give us a call at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) and we will be glad to discuss the situation with you.

It’s time again for us to provide a roundup of recent refunds, repurchases and replacements.  Under the State Lemon Laws and the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, all of our clients receive completely cost-free legal help, with the manufacturers covering the legal fees ON TOP OF what our client receives.  We are very proud of our efforts and encourage you to reach out to us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or via e-mail  if you think your vehicle may qualify for remedy.   Here we go….

2008 Dodge Dakota, Replacement Vehicle  — Newark, DE

2008 Audi A5, $6,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Jenkintown, PA

2009 Chevrolet Impreza, Replacement Vehicle — Telford, PA

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, $5,000 plus client keeps their car — Cranbury, NJ

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, Complete Refund — Greenwich, CT

2008 Buell Blast Motorcycle, Replacement Bike — Aberdeen, MD

2009 Infiniti G37, Complete Refund — Randolph, NJ

2007 Cadillac Escalade (70,000 miles), $5,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Bloomfield, NJ

2008 BMW 5-series, Replacement Vehicle — Perrysburg, OH

2008 Chrysler Sebring, Complete Refund –Somerville, MA

2008 Ford Ranger, $8,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Spring Grove, PA

2008 BMW 335i, $18,500 cash plus client keeps car and receives 7 yr/100k extended warranty- West New York, NJ

2008 Ford F250, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their truck — Rome, NY

2009 Honda Accord, Replacement Vehicle — York, PA

2009 Chevrolet Silverado, Replacement Vehicle — New Galihee, PA

2007 Audi Q7, Replacement Vehicle — Middletown, DE

2007 Pontiac G6, Complete Refund — Oceanside, NY

2008 Jeep Patriot, Complete Refund — Uniontown, PA

2005 Land Rover Range Rover, $6,500 cash plus client keeps car — Richboro, PA

2009 Dodge Challenger, Complete Refund — Brick, NJ

2008 Jeep Liberty, Complete Refund — Clarksville, PA

2008 Smart Car Cabriolet, Replacement Vehicle — Findlay, OH

2007 Hyundai Entourage, Complete Refund — Holbrook, NY

2006 Suzuki Forenza, Complete Refund — Elkins Park, PA

2009 Volvo S80, $7,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Frederick, MD

2008 GMC Arcadia, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Boston, MA

2007 Toyota Camry, Complete Refund — Pikesville, MD

2008 BMW 335i, Replacement Vehicle — Old Bridge, NJ

2007 Mercedes Benz ML320, Complete Refund — River Vale, NJ

2009 Mazda 6, $6,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Elizabeth, NJ

2009 Audi A5, Replacement Vehicle — Hamilton, NJ

2008 Jeep Wrangler, Complete Refund  — Pisacataway, NJ

2009 Audi S5,  Replacement Vehicle –Boston, MA

2008 Mazda CX7, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Monroeville, PA

2008 Dodge Ram, Complete Refund –Rural Valley, PA

2007 Moto Guzzi Motorcycle, Complete Refund — Flemington, NJ

2007 Chevrolet Silverado, $6,850 cash plus client keeps their car –Brooklyn, NY

2007 Jeep Compass, Complete Refund — Lancaster, PA

2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, $8,000 cash plus client keeps their SUV — Oliver, PA

2007 Hyundai Veracruz, Replacement Vehicle — Glassboro, NJ

Driving a lemon?  Join the more than 60,000 distressed drivers who have made the call to 1-800 LEMON LAW!

It’s time for another defect alert–this time around, it’s the BMW 335i.  Many distressed drivers are calling into the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline complaining about fuel pump failure. This is nothing new–the manufacturer is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty on the part, and the message boards have repeatedly covered the issue.  But when the part fails, it does put the driver in significant danger, with the car limping along, and possibly stalling.

If you sense that you are having problems with your fuel pump, get to an authorized BMW dealership as soon as possible.  Make sure that you receive a repair invoice when you pick up the car which clearly outlines the problem you complained about.  Even if they say the  problem is due to bad gas (which we all know is not true), they need to provide an invoice. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP TRACK OF THESE PAPERS.  You may need them down the road.

If you find that you are repeatedly back to the BMW dealer with fuel pump problems, drop us a line or give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your situation.  We have been actively resolving these claims.

As you can expect, of the hundreds of calls and e-mails we receive each week at 1-800 LEMON LAW headquarters, we frequently see the same thing happening to consumers over and over throughout a variety of States.  Here are some defects we are seeing regularly among our clients.  (Keep in mind we are not saying everyone who purchases these cars will have these problems; we are just seeing a trend among our cases.)

Jeep Patriots continue to have massive water leak problems, as do GMC Acadias, Buick Enclaves and Saturn Outlooks.

Ford F-Trucks have diesel problems, resulting in check engine lights, black smoke and stalling among other issues.

BMW models ending in 35 seems to be suffering from fuel pump failure.

Have a Volkswagen EOS?  Having a problem getting the top up and down?  You are not alone. More and more VW claims are coming in with this issue.

Squeak, squeak, squeak go the brakes on Honda Accords.

We are seeing a lot of alignment issues with Toyota Camry and Lexus models.

In most Chryslers, especially the Town and Country and 300 models, we are seeing transmission shuttering.

Finally, the Dodge Grand Caravan sliding doors are causing massive headaches for many of our clients.

Kimmel & Silverman prides itself on having three full-time ASE certified mechanics who work on our clients’ behalf to review and research automotive defects.  If you are having a continuing problem with your car, chances are we have heard about it.  Feel free to contact us through our website or by calling 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

This Summer, the 1-800 LEMON LAW phone lines are abuzz with folks who are suffering with faulty convertible tops, most notably with the new hard top models — the Chrysler Sebring, the BMW 335,  the Volvo C70 and the Volkswagen EOS.  If you are suffering with continuous problems with your convertible top, please know that the defect does represent a significant non-conformity that affects the use, value and safety of the vehicle, and State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws are here to protect you.  It is especially important that you pick up a warranty repair invoice each time you take your car in for service.  These invoices specifically identify the problem the consumer is complaining of, the amount of the days that the car was in service, a detailed explanation on how the problem was fixed, and a list of all the components replaced in the vehicle.

We have noticed that there are certain potential convertible clients who are NOT receiving repair tickets each time they bring their car in, either because they are told a repair ticket is open or the part is on back order (particularly frustrating during the season you use the convertible the most.)  Try not to take that for an answer and firmly request proof of your repair visit.  If you get nowhere, start a log with the the date, mileage and details of each visit.  This information will help a great deal when it comes time to file a claim.

If you have any questions about your convertible, fell free to drop us a line or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

It’s time for another roundup of recent repurchases and refunds.  These blog entries are always our favorite to write.  Kimmel & Silverman is dedicated to being the oldest, largest and most helpful lemon law firm in the Northeast, successfully handling over 50,000 lemon law and breach of warranty claims since our inception at absolutely no cost to consumers.  The following are just a few of the cases resolved in the last 30 days:

• 2008 Nissan Altima -Complete Repurchase under New Jersey Lemon Law (resolved in 24 days)
• 2008 Mazda 3 -$6,500 cash under Pennsylvania Lemon Law (plus client kept their car)
• 2008 Suzuki Forenza -Complete Repurchase under Ohio Lemon Law (resolved in 23 days)
• 2005 Suzuki Forenza -$5,000 cash under Pennsylvania Lemon Law (plus client kept their car)
• 2008 GMC Yukon -Complete Repurchase under Ohio Lemon Law (resolved in 45 days)
• 2006 Kia Sedona -$4,500 cash under Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (plus client kept their car)
• Used 2008 Kia Sorento -$3,875 cash under Magnuson Moss Act (plus client kept their car)
• 2008 Suzuki Sx4 -Complete Repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law (resolved in 41 days)
• 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara -Complete Repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law
• 2008 Subaru Impreza-$4,600 cash under Connecticut Lemon Law (plus client kept their car)
• 2009 Honda Accord-Complete Repurchase under New Jersey Lemon Law (resolved in 70 days)
• Used 2006 Mazda Tribute-$6,000 under Magnuson Moss Act (plus client kept their car)
• 2008 Mazda CX7 with 30,000 miles-$4,000 under New Jersey Lemon law (plus client kept car)
• 2008 GMC Siera -$5,000 cash under Pennsylvania Lemon Law (plus client kept their car)
• 2008 Lexus GS350 -Complete Repurchase under New Jersey Lemon Law
• Leased 2007 Jeep Wrangler with 27,000 miles – $5,000 under Magnsuon Moss Warranty Act
• 2008 Saturn Outlook – $7,000 cash under Pennsylvania Lemon Law (plus client kept their car)
• 2006 GMC Sierra – $5,000 cash under New York Lemon Law (plus client kept their car)
• 2009 Jeep Wrangler – Complete Repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law (resolved in 60 days)
• 2007 BMW 3 series,first repair at 29,000 miles -$4,000 under Magnuson Moss Act (client kept car)
• Used 2003 Cadillac CTS with 64,000 miles -$3,000 under Magnuson Moss Act (plus client kept car)
• 2008 Lexus RX350 – Complete Repurchase under Massachusetts Lemon Law
• 2009 Mazda 6 – Complete Repurchase under New Jersey Lemon Law (resolved in 20 days)
• 2008 Audi A4 – Complete Repurchase under New Jersey Lemon Law (resolved in 3 months)
• Used 2007 Pontiac Solstice -$4,000 cash under Magnuson Moss Act (plus client kept car)
• 2008 GMC Arcadia – Complete Repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law (resolved in 30 days)
• 2006 Chevrolet HHR with 26,000 miles- $4,500 under Maryland Lemon Law (plus client kept car)
• 2006 Volvo S60 – $6,500 under New Jersey Lemon Law (plus client kept car)
• Used 2006 Pontiac Torrent -$3,000 under Magnuson Moss Act (client kept car; resolved in 19 days)
• 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, first defect at 20,000 miles -$5,500 under Magnuson Moss Act (client kept car)

If you feel you may have a potential lemon law or breach of warranty claim, contact us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or drop us a line.  We will be glad to review your situation and see if we can help.  With eleven Lemon Law attorneys, six full-service offices, three ASE-certified mechanics on staff, and a complete support team of experienced paralegals and administrators, no one can get you on the road to recovery quicker than Kimmel & Silverman. 

As soon as the weather takes a turn for the better, and motorcyclists “get their motors running,” calls come in to 1-800-LEMON-LAW about defective Harley Davidson, Honda, BMW, Yamaha, and Kawasaki motorcycles…with all the callers asking the same question:  ”Are motorcycles covered under the Lemon Law?”

The answer depends on the state.  Among the states we practice, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut all include motorcycles in their Lemon Law. In all of these states, we can file a Lemon Law claim completely free to the consumer, with the possible outcome being a new bike or refund. In Pennsylvania, we spoke in front of the House of Representatives Consumer Affairs Committee, urging the inclusion of motorcycles, however it has yet to happen.

All is not lost however, in the states we practice that do not offer Lemon Law protection for motorcycles, namely Pennsylvania and Delaware, we use the grandfather of the Lemon Law, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act to go after the manufacturer for the diminished value of the bike as a result of the defect.  And like the Lemon Law, legal representation is completely cost-free. In the past eighteen years, our firm has successfully handled thousands of motorcycle claims. 

To check if your state offers a Motorcycle Lemon law, click here. For more information regarding lemon law and breach of warranty rights for motorcycle owners, feel free to e-mail us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

Since 1991, Kimmel & Silverman has prided itself in protecting consumer rights, starting with providing free lemon law help to consumers in the Philadelphia, PA region and building throughout Pittsburgh, and then New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, New Hampshire and Connecticut.  Since our inception, we have handled over 50,000 lemon law and breach of warranty claims, more than any other lemon law firm in the Nation.  It is an accomplishment we are extremely proud of.

So, without any further adieu, here are some of the highlights from our first quarter. These are consumers who realized they had rights and were entitled to monies for their problems they have encountered.  They put their faith in our firm and we are very grateful.

2007 GMC Arcadia — opened 1/9/09, resolved 2/11/09–FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2007 Suzuki XL7 — opened 1/28/09, resolved 2/16/09 — FULL REPURCHASE, plus attorney fees.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu — opened 2/9/09, resolved 3/24/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2008 GMC Arcadia — opened 1/21/09, resolved 2/13/09 — FULL REPURCHASE, plus attorney fees.

2007 Mazda CX7 — breach of warranty, first problem reported at 29,000 miles–$5,500 plus attorney fees, and  the client keeps their car.  opened 1/2/09, resolved 2/12/09.

2008 Mazda CX9 –breach of warranty, first problem reported over 30,000 miles–$6,000 plus attorney fees, and the client keeps the car.  opened 1/5/09, resolved 2/12/09.

Used 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix with 50,000 miles –breach of warranty –$4,000 plus attorney fees, and the client gets to keep the car.  opened 1/2/09, resolved 2/5/09.

2004 Volvo S40 — breach of warranty, first problem occurred at 40,000 miles — $5000 plus attorney fees, and the client gets to keep the car.  Opened 1/6/09, resolved 2/9/09.

2008 Dodge Caliber — opened 2/2/09, resolved 3/25/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2009 Lexus RX350 — opened 2/16/09, resolved 3/9/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2006 Hyundai Sonata –opened 12/19/08, resolved 2/9/09 — 2009 REPLACEMENT VEHICLE plus attorney fees.

Used 2006 Mazda Speed 6 –purchased with over 60,000 miles — $6,000 plus attorney fees plus client gets to keep the car. opened 1/5/09, resolved 2/5/09.

Leased 2008 Ford F250 — $4,000 plus attorney fees — opened 1/6/09, resolved 1/26/09.

2007 GMC Sierra — opened 2/5/09, resolved 3/6/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

Leased 2007 Saturn Outlook — $6,000 plus attorney fees — opened 12/26/08, resolved 2/3/09

Used 2004 BMW M3–purchased with 67,000 miles — $4,500 plus attorney fees and the client keeps the car. opened 12/19/08, resolved 2/11/09.

Used 2006 Infiniti FX35 — opened 1/29/09, resolved 2/26/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees

2008 Saturn Vue –opened 12/16/08, resolved 2/9/09– FULL REPURCHASE INCLUDING EXTENDED WARRANTY plus attorney fees.

Leased 2008 Jeep Liberty — $6,750 plus attorney fees — opened 12/11/08, resolved 2/17/09.

2007 Dodge Caravan — opened 12/9/08, resolved 2/4/09 –FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2006 Toyota Rav 4– opened 1/2/09, resolved 3/3/09– FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

Think you have a lemon?  Feel free to e-mail us and see if you qualify for free lemon law or breach of warranty help.

At 1-800 LEMON LAW, we have heard of folks suffering with headaches after driving around in their new vehicle, and we never understood what they were talking about….until now.  It appears that the new car smell we are all so fond of could actually make us sick.

CNN.com is reporting that this scent could be made up of a variety of poisons, including arsenic and formaldehyde.  With American automakers suffering in an economic slump, this pollution is not getting much play.  On the other side of the world however, European and Japanese automakers are well aware of this problem and are working hard to combat it.

So, which cars tend to be most problematic?  According to the Ecology Center’s HealthyCar.Org study which they put out each year, the most toxic avengers are:

• Suzuki Forenza
• Suzuki Reno
• Lincoln Mark LT
• Mitsubishi Eclipse
• BMW 128i